Jump to content
SASS Wire Forum

45/70 vs 45/90


Recommended Posts

In another thread I noticed a recommendation that the 45/90 bucked the wind better than the 45/70 because of it's higher velocity.

I thought that the 45/90 was an "express" round, that used a lighter bullet at higher velocity. (300 grains in the 45/90)vs (405 grains or 500 grains in the 45/70) . In my experience, lighter bullets are more wind sensitive than heavier bullets. So how is the 45/90 less wind sensitive than the 45/70?

Are the shooters using the heavy 45/70 bullets in the 45/90? Will the rifling twist in the replica 45/90s stabilize the heavier bullets?

And how much velocity increase is there?

 

Thanks,

Duffield

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One consideration is the availability of brass for your rifle. I have passed up a number of them for that reason.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

You are correct that a higher sectional density (heavier for the diameter) bullets buck the wind better. Hence, a 405gr or 500 gr will buck the wind better than a 300 gr bullet. There were loads in the 2.4 inch case (.45-90) that used heavier bullets. Specifically, .45-82-350 and .45-85-400. The problem at BP velocities was that bullets much heavier than 385 gr were marginal on stability in Winchester M1886 and HiWall's because they used a 1-32" rifling twist, which worked better with the 300 gr load. I once had a HiWall that had been originally a .45-70 but was rechambered to .2.4 inches. It had a 1-19" twist and would put 10 rounds into 2-5/8" at 100 yds, which isn't bad with open sights and younger eyes! I have no idea what modern replica manufacturers are using with their .45-90's. With BP, the added .3 inch to the cartridge might be an advantage over the .45-70. For smokeless, stick with the shorter cartridge.

Edited by Trailrider #896
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The 86 has a slow twist for lighter bullets and wont stabilize the longer and heavier bullets much less feed.

 

A good source of info is Venturino's books on Leverguns and on Shooting Buffalo Rifles

 

Whoops i see Trailrider explained the twists.

 

One last tidbit. The 90 or equivalent can be a thumper for extented shot strings. You might want to shoot one first.

Edited by Yellowhouse Sam # 25171
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Tangent alert here, kinda but not directly related to the topic. This thread just reminded me of this article, which you may have already read, but I enjoy it so here it is again:

 

http://powderburns.tripod.com/sharps.html

 

...now back to our regular programming...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.